The Sideline Report with Tyrel Reed

Tyrel Reed: I talk to Cole pretty much every day, or every other day at least. I’ve got a MacBook, and we’ve both got Skype now, so we kind of video chat. He shows me his house, and we kind of hang out that way.
JN: What’s the funniest thing he’s said to you since he’s been gone?

TR: I don’t know if it’s funny, but he just loves that I had to do Boot Camp and he didn’t, because he knows how bad it is.

TR: Probably at night time when I’m going to bed, because I felt like over the years when we were roommates, right before we’d go to bed, we’d always walk into each other’s room and talk, say, ‘What’s up?’ or say whatever, and we’d end up talking for 30 minutes or an hour just making jokes and having fun.

JN: So it’s not the same without him there?

TR: It’s definitely not the same. I do like where I’m at now and I love my roommates now, but Cole was just a different being.

JN: Has he shown you any bling that he’s bought?

TR: I think he got a car from a dealership, and then he bought a Denali that looks really nice. Definitely there’s some perks to being in the NBA.

TR: Yeah, I think we’ve really got some athletic guys. And I think definitely also athleticism is different when you’re out there playing as opposed to just running and jumping and trying to touch as high as you can. But I think that I can transfer that over and hopefully show some people.

JN: Do you think you’re more of a self-made basketball player than a lot of other guys?

TR: I think some people could say that. I don’t have the best body, I’m not as gifted athletically or maybe as talented, but I just try to strive to work harder than the next.

JN: Last time you got nervous before a basketball game?

TR: I’m always a little nervous before every game, a little anxious, have those butterflies. But I can’t remember a particular game where I was more nervous than the next.

JN: Best thing about Burlington, Kansas?

Tyrel Reed, a 6-foot-3 guard from Burlington High, signs his national letter of intent with Kansas University. Reed officially joined the Jayhawks at a signing ceremony on Nov. 15, 2006, at his high school.

TR: Best thing about Burlington, Kansas (laughs). Everybody waves at you. I’ve noticed here in Lawrence ... I still am from a small town, so I’ll wave at everyone when they drive by. I hardly ever get a wave, but anytime I drive in Burlington, everyone waves. I like that.

JN: Those people think you’re crazy here, right?

TR: They do. They turn around like, ‘Who was that?’ or ‘Why did he wave?’ I think they take it like I’m being mean or something. I don’t know.

JN: What’s the first memory you have of KU?

TR: I remember coming here when I was in — I can’t remember what grade I was — but I watched Paul Pierce play. I sat way up in section 22 and just loved it. From then on, I loved KU. I loved the atmosphere here and always wanted to be a part of it.

TR: Probably while we were taking a picture (at media days). Coach Self always has some jokes. He knows how to be serious, but he can also make things fun. I think that’s what makes him attractive to people.

JN: What did he say to you there?

TR: What were we talking about? Oh, he was talking about Coach T (Townsend) looking like a mafia member with his garb that he was wearing, with his suit.

Director of basketball operations, Betty White, played by Barry Hinson, and assistant coach Lil Jon, Kurtis Townsend introduce the skits during Late Night in the Phog, Friday, Oct. 15, 2010.
by Nick Krug

TR: Favorite fight song? Probably Boomer Sooner, I guess. I don’t know. That’s the only one that sticks out in my mind.

JN: Do you sing during the National Anthem?

TR: In my head. During the National Anthem, I always kind of say a prayer to myself as well. As soon as I say my prayer, looking up at the flag and seeing all these people, it just makes me realize how lucky I really am.

Is it just me, or does Tyrel have a really quick release on his 3? He seems to catch and shoot in one motion. If he's getting that much elevation with a quick release, and if he's only taking open shots, no wonder they can't bother his shot.

You are correct. Starter or reserve the contributions are equally important. The most important minutes are the last 5 not the first 5 minutes. That said, the starters develop a chemistry together that often represents the only constant throughout the season. They are selected for complementing each other and for difficulty of opponents to match-up. It is important to the players to start and a top recruit will look at the practice of a coach before committing to a program which can provide them the framework to showcase their talents for the next level. That "reputation" with the media and fans can influence their draft position and millions of dollars in their first contract.

i know this isnt the topic of this article, but its the most recent hoops article.... any status on Josh Selby? Is the NCAA seriously waiting until less than a week before the season starts to clear him?